Raleigh already plans to close one street ahead of Hurricane Florence

The city isn’t taking any chances with possible flooding on Clark Avenue.

A small portion of the street — from West Peace Street to Bellwood Drive — will close at 6 p.m. Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Florence.

“Under extreme stormwater flows, like we would see with Hurricane Florence, and given the condition of the [stormwater] pipe, the road can become a safety concern for residents,” said Kristin Freeman, communications analyst with the city. “This is why we are proactively closing this portion of Clark Avenue.”

Westbound traffic on West Peace Street will be directed to Smallwood Drive and Woodburn Avenue, while eastbound traffic on Clark Avenue will be directed to Woodburn Road and Sutton Drive to Nichols Drive and Saint Marys Street.

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The stormwater pipe is covered beneath the road but opens up to pour water into a nearby stream that goes into Pigeon House Branch Creek. The 70-year-old pipe is scheduled to be replaced, but that is only in the design phase.

If you see water in a street, do not try to cross it. Barriers and detours will be in place for public safety.